The root problem, periodontology

Periodontology, from the Greek peri “around”, and odous “tooth”, is the medical-surgical specialty that studies prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of the tissues surrounding the tooth, gum and bone.

Up until a few decades ago, the use of refined sugars turned cavities into the main cause of tooth loss. Today, cavities have been substituted by periodontal disease.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is directly related to bacteria that adheres to tooth surfaces (crown and root), causing the destruction of the bone supporting the teeth, ultimately leading to the loss of dental pieces.

Who does it affect to?

The latest studies reveal that this disease affects 30% of the population over 35 and more than half of the people over 55. We could also talk about predisposing factors, such as smoking, which increases the risk by up to 2.6. Diabetes mellitus, HIV or stress can also be aggravating factors. This disease can also be passed from parents to children or between romantic partners, as bacteria can be spread through saliva. So, if any of your family members suffers from this disease, you should pay a visit to your periodontist.

What are the first symptoms? Gingivitis and Periodontitis

As a general rule, plaque accumulation can cause slight inflammation of the gums, gingivitis and, consequently, gum bleeding, which often suggests a bad brushing technique. Lack of bleeding does not necessarily indicate there is no periodontal disease. If the initial inflammation persists for a while, we could be facing a more advanced stage of the disease, resulting in the loss of the bone supporting the teeth, which is known as periodontitis.

Other symptoms include: receding gums, which makes teeth look longer than they originally were, mobility or the appearance of diastemas (a space between teeth), bad breath and the presence of pus. All these symptoms may be treated separately or together.

How is it treated?

Treatment will always be determined by an accurate diagnosis. From a medical point of view, antibiotics and mouthwashes can be used always together with conventional treatments, such as scaling and root planning (a procedure carried out to remover tartar from teeth). Sometimes, surgical treatments will be necessary in order to achieve good gum reinsertion.

Gum or teeth regeneration is carried out by using techniques including membranes and bone. Gum recession or the “long tooth” syndrome, which is caused by periodontal disease o by aggressive brushing, cause root-related aesthetic and sensitivity issues and must be treated using graft from the patient or artificial scaffolds, thus achieving excellent aesthetic results.

What can you do when you have lost one or all of your teeth?

Dental implants are artificial roots placed into the jawbone in an outpatient surgery. Dental crowns are then placed over said roots, restoring their function and aesthetics without having to alter any healthy teeth. Today, thanks to the new implant generation, success rates reach 97% in healthy patients, which is why results are easily predictable.

Implants have changed the treatment plans designed by dentists. Former dentures have now taken a back seat and the patient’s quality of life has significantly improved.

In conclusion, the most effective way to face any pathology in the medical and surgical field has always been and always will be an early diagnosis.